Training Years: 2014-2015
Training Site: University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Country: South Africa
Mentor: Laetitia Rispel, PhD, MSc
Title: Evaluation of Knowledge, Information, Training and Support Opportunities (KITSO) Program in the School of Public Health at Wits University (WSPH) in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Project Objectives: The WSPH developed an intervention called KITSO (a Sotho word for knowledge) abbreviating Knowledge, Information, Training and Support Opportunities. Project KITSO focuses on legacy students defined as any post-graduate student who registered for a master’s degree at the WSPH prior to or in 2008 but has not completed the degree. An audit of the number of legacy students was done and identified 42 students. Information on reasons for delay in completion from students and advisors were gathered and informed the development of the program. This Fogarty mentorship grant provides an opportunity to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the KITSO intervention.
Aim 1: Evaluate KITSO (a Post Graduate (PG) intervention & support program) in order to inform future SPH initiatives. The KITSO program identified 42 legacy students using social media, email and telephone. KITSO has invited those students to participate in weekend boot camps twice per month.
Aim 2: Develop an early warning system for Post Graduate (PG) students in the school using the student information system to improve the current profile of students and thus better identify the characteristics of the students at risk. We will identify gaps and duplication in the current student profile, make modifications in terms of source and point of collection and eliminate indicators that are not meaningful.
NIH Support: Fogarty Clayton-Dedonder Mentoring Fellowship
